Synonyms of tool

tool 1 of 2

noun

ˈtül 

1

as in device

an article intended for use in work

needed a special tool to open the case of the appliance

Synonyms & Similar Words

• device
• instrument
• mechanism
• implement
• gadget
• utensil
• apparatus
• accessory
• appliance
• contraption
• gizmo
• appendage
• attachment
• adjunct
• contrivance
• jigger
• accoutrement

2

as in pawn

one that is or can be used to further the purposes of another

a ruthless leader using his trusting followers as tools in his quest for power

Synonyms & Similar Words

• pawn
• instrument
• sucker
• minion
• victim
• puppet
• lay figure
• cat's-paw
• foil
• dupe
• chump
• gull
• stooge
• yes-man
• lapdog

3

as in sucker

one who is easily deceived or cheated

you're just a pathetic tool of the advertising industry if you believe everything you see in TV commercials

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sucker
• target
• victim
• patsy
• dupe
• soft touch
• chump
• pigeon
• gull
• sap
• fool
• pushover
• loser
• mug
• butt
• mock
• monkey
• idiot
• mockery
• moron
• mark
• goose
• laughingstock
• dummy
• cat's-paw
• schlemiel
• derision
• turkey
• booby
• jackass
• simpleton
• simp
• blockhead
• dope
• imbecile
• dumbbell
• dolt
• dodo
• dunce
• ninny
• nincompoop
• nitwit
• yo-yo
• schnook
• schlub
• half-wit
• schlump

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• shark
• sharper
• cheat
• trickster
• cheater
• confidence man
• slicker
• dodger
• swindler
• cozener
• defrauder
• hoaxer

tool

2 of 2

verb

as in to drive

to travel by a motorized vehicle

I spent some time tooling around town today

Synonyms & Similar Words

• drive
• motor
• automobile
• race
• ride
• wheel
• taxi
• hack
• drag
• roll
• chauffeur
• joyride

Synonym Chooser

How is the word tool different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of tool are appliance, implement, instrument, and utensil. While all these words mean "a relatively simple device for performing work," tool suggests an implement adapted to facilitate a definite kind or stage of work and suggests the need of skill more strongly than implement.

a carpenter's tools

When is it sensible to use appliance instead of tool?

While the synonyms appliance and tool are close in meaning, appliance refers to a tool or instrument utilizing a power source and suggests portability or temporary attachment.

household appliances

In what contexts can implement take the place of tool?

In some situations, the words implement and tool are roughly equivalent. However, implement may apply to anything necessary to perform a task.

crude stone implements

farm implements

When is instrument a more appropriate choice than tool?

While in some cases nearly identical to tool, instrument suggests a device capable of delicate or precise work.

the dentist's instruments

When could utensil be used to replace tool?

The words utensil and tool can be used in similar contexts, but utensil applies to a device used in domestic work or some routine unskilled activity.

kitchen utensils

How is the word tool different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of tool are appliance, implement, instrument, and utensil. While all these words mean "a relatively simple device for performing work," tool suggests an implement adapted to facilitate a definite kind or stage of work and suggests the need of skill more strongly than implement.

a carpenter's tools

When is it sensible to use appliance instead of tool?

While the synonyms appliance and tool are close in meaning, appliance refers to a tool or instrument utilizing a power source and suggests portability or temporary attachment.

household appliances

In what contexts can implement take the place of tool?

In some situations, the words implement and tool are roughly equivalent. However, implement may apply to anything necessary to perform a task.

crude stone implements

farm implements

When is instrument a more appropriate choice than tool?

While in some cases nearly identical to tool, instrument suggests a device capable of delicate or precise work.

the dentist's instruments

When could utensil be used to replace tool?

The words utensil and tool can be used in similar contexts, but utensil applies to a device used in domestic work or some routine unskilled activity.

kitchen utensils

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of tool

Noun

Energy efficiency is one of the only tools that reduces costs permanently. —Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 26 Apr. 2026

This represents a fundamental policy shift — one that removes a critical conservation tool and sets a troubling precedent for the future. —Susan Carr, Sun Sentinel, 26 Apr. 2026

Verb

The pioneering program started with a fleet of black and white robots from Starship Technologies tooling around the campus at the University of Illinois Chicago. —Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026

Re-tooled with new signings, the defensive inadequacies and erratic finishing that had held the club back during his first campaign were eradicated. —Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026